Clearwater Marine Aquarium Receives Five More Sea Turtles with "Cold Stun"
Hawksbill Sea Turtle that came in from Honeymoon Island (rare to see this species in our area) CLEARWATER - On January 11th morning alone, Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) received five more Green sea turtles in Pinellas County with "cold stun." Two came from Honeymoon Island, one from Caladesi, one from Belleair Beach and one from Clearwater Beach. Three others were also found dead. This brings the total number of new sea turtles at CMA with this condition to 32. It is being reported that over the last four days, 1,000 sea turtles have been placed at facilities across the state with "cold stun." CMA would like to thank AquaCal, a local pool supply company for loaning $45,000 worth of heaters/chillers to help CMA accommodate (and keep warm) as many sea turtles as possible. The equipment is also allowing CMA to heat Winter and Panama's pool during these record cool temperatures. The rehabilitation process for threatened and endangered species is expensive and CMA relies on public support to fulfill its mission. CMA has created an Emergency Sea Turtle Fund to help care for the turtles that are stranding as a result of "cold stun." Please visit www.SeeWinter.com for donation information. CMA is a working animal hospital dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine animals.
Manager of Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Danielle O'Neil (left) getting blood from Green who arrived at CMA with CMA volunteer Jackie Shum (right).
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